February 2009 Online at www.thesmartcenter.biz

Smart Spring Hiring Fair March 10th, 10-2 Looking for employees? We're looking for companies that are ready to hire! Join us at Smart's annual Spring Hiring Fair in Redding, where you can conduct your search for the perfect employee(s)and save money at the same time - there is no fee! You will get: Access to hundreds of job seekers - ready, willing and eager to work Assistance with job applications from our friendly, helpful Smart Center staff Pre-screening assistance for Enterprise Zone eligibility - your new hire may qualify you for tax credit savings You must have current job openings and agree to share information on those hired through the Smart Spring Hiring Fair. Space is limited. Sign up now. Call Karen at 245-1514 Prepare to meet the people you'll want to hire! View the flyer

Do you work for one of the best companies in Shasta County? The Smart Business Resource Center is looking for the Best Companies to Work For in Shasta County 2009. This annual event recognizes Shasta County companies that offer: a great working environment, on-going training or advancement opportunities for employees, and a superior overall experience for customers. The best companies are determined by their own employees. Don't miss this chance to recognize the company you work for as the best. Whether you are the only employee or one among hundreds, please tell us. Vote now. Awards will be presented to the four winners on April 21st at a breakfast awards event at Win-River Casino's Event Center. A nonprofit category has been added this year! Everyone submitting a qualifying nomination will be entered in a drawing for a special prize. Learn more - Vote online Go to bestinshasta.com 2008 Breakfast Awards Event

Tax information Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed from the IRS. Check out the printable version. It's packed with useful information. Web-Based Payroll Tax Seminars are available from EDD in both English and Spanish. Employers are required to provide: Earned Income Tax Credit Information At sba.gov/stimulus: a new resource to connect you with tax management tools and strategies to maximize savings from the 2008 Economic Stimulus Package. Hiring Tax Credits and other tax incentives could save you thousands if your business qualifies for the Shasta Enterprise Zone Program. Put your business on the Internet The Smart way Website Design Workshop February 9 & 10 Eliminate the middle man. This "hands-on" workshop from the Smart Business Resource Center will put you in the driver's seat and your business on the Internet. Fee: $50 You create your business website, it's quick, easy, and affordable You are in control - make changes when you need them Get 3 months website hosting Get a domain name for a year Get going. Register Now 2 hours each day, minimum class size: 3

When it's sink or swim ... How to Manage Your Team in a Downturn (and Come Out on Top) (bnet.com) How to Pay Business Debts You Can't Afford, a do-it-yourself guide (SCORE) Who can you talk to? The Small Business Development Center at Shasta College The counselors at SCORE Recommended Reading The Small Business Bible, a comprehensive, easy-to-read, A-to-Z library of everything you might need to know The E-Myth Revisited dispels the myths about starting your own business, learn how to grow your business in a productive, assured way The Art of the Start, the time-tested, battle-hardened guide for anyone starting anything Hurdle: The Book on Business Planning, a step-by-step guide to creating a thorough, concrete and concise business plan How to be a Venture Island Contestant in Five Easy Steps, a wealth of information for the entrepreneur who wants to get ahead and maybe win BIG BUCKS! Add them to your business library. Get them through Smart's Online Store. Also available is Businesss Plan Pro, the #1 recommended tool for building a great business plan.

Would you like to have your voice heard? This survey from Small Business California (SB-Cal) is about doing business in the State of California. SB-Cal is a proactive, non-partisan business advocacy organization whose only agenda is the well being of California’s small businesses. Annually, SB-Cal surveys California businesses. Results of the survey are sent to the Governor and Legislators. Those who participate have an impact on policy discussions over the next year. Fill out the SB-Cal 2009 Survey of Small Businesses in California